The Midnight Key

The night felt wrong.

Rene could hear the wind in the trees, the distant hum of nocturnal creatures, and the faint crackling of Adrian and Adriel's silver light pulsing in the air. But all of it felt muffled.

Because Rena was about to speak.

And Rene knew—deep in her bones—that if that name was uttered, something would change.

Forever.

Lucien tensed beside her, golden eyes sharp. "Rene. Stop her."

Rene's fingers tightened around Rena's small frame.

The child's silver eyes shimmered unnaturally, her lips barely parting—

Nyra moved first. "Rena, don't."

The baby blinked, her tiny fingers twitching as if caught between two thoughts—one her own and one older.

Then, the faceless being laughed.

"You are afraid."

Adrian's voice was ice. "We don't fear her."

The being shifted slightly.

"No. You fear what she will remember."

Rena tilted her head. A flicker of confusion—of hesitation—crossed her expression.

And in that moment, the ancient presence inside her paused.

Like it wasn't fully awake yet.

Like it was still clawing its way back.

Lucien exhaled. "Well. That was close."

The faceless being did not look pleased. Its form writhed slightly, a ripple of darkness that pulsed like a heartbeat.

"You cannot stop her forever."

Rene's arms tightened around Rena protectively. "Maybe not. But I can delay it."

The creature tilted its head again.

Then, for the first time, it took a step back.

"Then you will have to be quick, little mortal. Because those who locked her away?"

The air around them froze.

"They already know she is waking up."

And just like that—

The being vanished.

Gone.

As if it had never been there.

Silence.

Rene let out a shaky breath, her arms still locked around Rena. The baby looked up at her with wide, innocent eyes—

As if she had no idea what had just happened.

As if she hadn't just been on the verge of remembering something that should never be remembered.

Adriel exhaled. "We need to run."

Adrian nodded. "They're coming."

Lucien groaned. "Oh, I hate being right."

Nyra sheathed her blade. "Then we move. Fast."

Rene glanced at Rena one last time, heart still hammering.

The child blinked up at her, a tiny yawn escaping her lips.

So small. So innocent.

But carrying something immortal.

Something that could unravel everything.

And the ones who had sealed her away?

They were coming to finish what they started.

To Be Continued…

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